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Cignal takes D-League Finals opener against Racal

PBA

By Ivan Saldajeno

PASIG--Cignal-San Beda withstood a late Racal rally to win, 93-85, in Game 1 of the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup Finals at the Ynares Sports Arena on Thursday night.

The Hawkeyes almost saw a 21-point lead slip away, but it turned out to be huge enough to hold off the Tile Masters.

Behind the hot hands of Jason Perkins and Pamboy Raymundo, Cignal wrecked havoc in the first half, opening a 55-36 gap after the first 20 minutes. Perkins' jumper to start the third quarter extended the lead to its largest.

Racal tried to mount a comeback, cutting the edge to as low as five, 86-81, with 2:27 remaining, but timely baskets from Perkins, Raymundo, and Davon Potts sealed the deal for Cignal.

Perkins and Raymundo combined for 49 of the Hawkeyes' total points that helped them draw to within a win from the title.

Rey Nambatac led the Tile Masters with 23 points, six rebounds, and three assists.

Sidney Onwubere added a double-double of 14 points and 13 rebounds with one steal, but he only made 3-of-14 field goals.

Cignal can close out the series in Game 2 on Monday at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno